All irregularities and illegal actions reported by Civil have directly prevented many citizens of the Republic of Macedonia to express their free will

The election process in the Republic of Macedonia continues under serious institutional failures, as a result of political and party pressures. The work of the most relevant institutions in this election cycle, most of all SEC and the Administrative Court, is questionable to say the least. Decisions taken by these two institutions are obviously based on partisan or ethnic interests; at the same time, neglecting the rule of law.

Bearing in mind all irregularities and pressures reported by our observers during the whole election process, the stallingof the elections by disputable decisions by relevant institutions is just another confirmation of our assessment that the local elections 2013 do not qualify for fee and non-violent elections.

We reiterate that all the irregularities and illegal actions that were reported by Civil and other organizations and institutions have directly prevented many citizens of the Republic of Macedonia to express their free will.

Demographic interventions, political pressure, actions by some members of the police force, as well as the institutionalized practice of blackmailing and vote-buying, abuse of poverty – structural violence, all in all– are the prevailing image of the condition of the democracy in the country.